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Tancho Medaka
IntermediateWhite body with only the head cap in red. Beautiful red-and-white like a Japanese crane. Color variant of Oranda.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
5〜30℃（適温20〜28℃）
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Diet
Medaka food, daphnia
About
Tancho medaka is an improved variety with a white body and red markings only on the head, evoking the iconic Tancho crane (Japanese red-crowned crane). The concept mirrors Tancho koi (white body with red only on the head), and its dignified appearance captivates many enthusiasts. Head-spot fixation rate is low — producing ideal tancho pattern requires mass breeding and rigorous selection. Carotenoid-rich food maintains the head red; outdoor sunlight enhances coloration. Hardy in 5–30°C, neutral to slightly alkaline water. White containers with top-view observation clearly reveal the tancho pattern. Peaceful temperament. The combination of pattern beauty and breeding difficulty gives this variety deep collector appeal.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (selectively bred variety)
Lifespan
2-3 years
Size
3-4cm
Temperature
5〜30℃（適温20〜28℃）
Diet
Medaka food, daphnia
Care Guide
Color
Maintain red on head
Selection
Pattern selection important
Water Temp
15-30°C
Care Specifications
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 9–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 18–24℃
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy
Sources: FishBase: Oryzias latipes / Seriously Fish: Oryzias latipes
Morphs (Varieties)
改良メダカは体型×体色×柄×光(体内/体外)×鱗(透明鱗)×ラメ×ヒレ等のトレイト合成。掲載は当該品種を構成する確証トレイトのみで遺伝形式は確証のみ付与(不確実は省略)。遺伝形式は交配の参考。
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
White body
Other
Red head-spot pattern (tancho)
Sources: JMA日本メダカ協会 改良メダカ品種分類マニュアル / 改良メダカWEB図鑑(medakazukan)
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Synonyms: Aplocheilus latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Poecilia latipes Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, Oryzias latipes latipes (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF · 日本メダカ協会 品種分類マニュアル
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Tancho Medaka Listings
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